Eagles WR DeVonta Smith Says Jalen Hurts Is Moving On From Five-Turnover Night

A Loss That Still Lingers in Philadelphia

The Philadelphia Eagles’ Week 14 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers was one of the most frustrating defeats of the season. A primetime stage, playoff implications, and uncharacteristic mistakes combined to create a night Eagles fans would rather forget. At the center of the storm was quarterback Jalen Hurts, whose five-turnover performance stood out as the most difficult outing of his season.

Yet inside the Eagles’ locker room, the focus has already shifted forward. Rather than dwelling on what went wrong, the team is emphasizing resilience, accountability, and preparation — a mindset that wide receiver DeVonta Smith made clear when speaking to the media later in the week.

DeVonta Smith’s Message: Perspective Matters

When asked about Hurts’ struggles against the Chargers, DeVonta Smith offered a response that reflected both loyalty and realism. Instead of sugarcoating the performance or assigning blame, Smith put the night into perspective.

“You tell me someone you know that doesn’t have games like that,” Smith said, defending his quarterback in a calm but pointed way. The statement was less about excuses and more about normalizing adversity in the NFL, where even elite players are tested over the course of a long season.

Smith’s words carried weight not just because of his role as a top receiver, but because of the long-standing chemistry and trust he shares with Hurts. Their connection dates back to college and has continued to grow at the professional level.

Jalen Hurts’ Mental Approach After the Chargers Game

According to Smith, Hurts has treated the week following the loss like any other. No visible panic. No dramatic change in demeanor. Just routine preparation and focus.

That approach aligns with what teammates and coaches have consistently said about Hurts: his ability to compartmentalize failure. While the Chargers game was statistically rough, Hurts’ response has been measured, emphasizing learning rather than lingering regret.

In the NFL, quarterbacks are often judged not only by their best moments but by how they respond to their worst. Hurts’ calm approach suggests a player intent on growth, not self-doubt.

Leadership Under Pressure

Hurts’ role as the leader of the Eagles offense makes his response especially significant. A quarterback’s mindset often sets the tone for the entire team, particularly during losing streaks. Philadelphia is currently trying to halt a three-game skid, and confidence inside the huddle is essential.

Smith’s comments suggest that Hurts has maintained his presence as a leader despite the criticism surrounding him. Teammates still look to him for direction, and there is no indication that trust has been shaken internally.

For a team with postseason ambitions, that stability could prove crucial in the weeks ahead.

Smith’s Unwavering Belief in His Quarterback

DeVonta Smith has never wavered in his belief that Jalen Hurts is the right quarterback for Philadelphia. That belief has been tested externally by analysts and fans following the Chargers loss, but inside the building, Smith remains firm.

The receiver emphasized that one bad game does not erase years of production, leadership, and winning football. Hurts has guided the Eagles through deep playoff runs and high-pressure situations before, and Smith clearly views the Chargers game as an outlier rather than a trend.

Such public support reinforces unity within the locker room, a factor that often separates teams that recover from adversity from those that spiral.

Confidence From the Top: Jeffrey Lurie Speaks

Support for Hurts does not stop with his teammates. Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie has also expressed confidence in the team’s offensive direction. Lurie has publicly stated that he does not view the current struggles as a long-term issue and believes the offense will regain its rhythm before the postseason.

Lurie pointed to the strength of the team’s defense and special teams, suggesting that the foundation for success remains intact. His confidence carries significance, as ownership stability often translates to organizational calm during turbulent stretches.

When both locker room leaders and ownership project belief, it sends a clear message: panic is not part of the plan.

The Importance of Moving Forward in the NFL

One of the most unforgiving aspects of the NFL is its pace. Games come and go quickly, and teams that dwell on past mistakes often fall further behind. Smith’s comments highlight an understanding of that reality.

“You cannot look behind you when the goal is still ahead of you,” is an unspoken philosophy within the Eagles organization right now. With critical games remaining, the emphasis is on execution, adjustments, and trust — not blame.

Hurts’ decision to approach the week as “business as usual” reflects that mindset.

Pressure, Expectations, and Reality

As a franchise quarterback, Hurts is no stranger to pressure. With a massive contract, playoff expectations, and national attention, every performance is magnified. The Chargers game amplified those pressures, but Smith’s defense of Hurts underscores an important truth: even elite quarterbacks have nights they want back.

What separates great players is not perfection, but response. Hurts now has an opportunity to answer critics not with words, but with performance.

A Must-Win Stretch Ahead

The Eagles’ upcoming games carry significant weight. Ending the losing streak is essential not only for playoff positioning, but for restoring confidence. Hurts will be central to that effort, and how he responds over the next few weeks could shape the narrative of the season.

With Smith standing firmly in his corner and organizational leadership backing him, Hurts has the support structure needed to rebound.

Final Thoughts: Unity Over Noise

DeVonta Smith’s comments were not flashy, but they were powerful. In a league driven by reaction and criticism, his defense of Jalen Hurts served as a reminder that football is a team sport built on trust and resilience.

The Eagles are not defined by one bad night. They are defined by how they respond. As Philadelphia pushes forward, one thing is clear: inside the locker room, belief in Jalen Hurts remains strong — and that belief may be the most important factor of all as the season continues.